NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES
Believers in astrology and
the influence of planets over individual destiny will find Tamil Nadu as a
Great Destination. Indian Astrology believes that the planetary positions of
the nine planets in a geocentric orbit determine the strength and weaknesses of
a life, and how it takes its course Nava means Nine and Graha means Planets.
Navagraha temples devoted to the Nine Celestial bodies, with incarnation of God
for each of those nine planets are found in and around Kumbakonam and Thanjavur
District.
| Planet | Temple |
| Surya (Sun) | Suryanar Koil |
| Chandra (Moon) | Tingaloor Koil |
| Chevaai (Mars) | Vaitheswaran Koil |
| Budhan (Mercury) | Tiruvenkadu |
| Guru (Jupiter) | Alangudi |
| Shukran (Venus) | Kanchanoor |
| Shani (Saturn) | Tirunallar |
| Rahu | Tirunageswaram |
| Ketu | Keezhperumpallam |
1. Suriyanar Koil : This
temple 21 Kms from Swami Malai and 58 Kms from Thanjavur, believed to have been
built by Chola King Kulothunga I in 1100 AD, is dedicated to Lord Suriyan [Sun]
. Suriyan is believed to bestow health, success and prosperity. The Pongal
Festival is celebrated as Harvest Festival and Thanks giving to Lord Suiyan.
2. Thingalur : It is 18
Kms from Thanjavur on the Thiruvaiyar – Kumbakonam route. This temple is
believed to be existing even before 7th Century and it is one of the Navagraha
Temple dedicated to Lord Chandran [Moon] in the planetary formation. Chandran
is said to be the reliever of Stress and Sorrow.
3. Vaitheswaran Koil : It
is 90 Kms from Thanjavur on the way to Chdiambaram. This temple is dedicated to
Navagraha Temple dedicated to Lord Sevvai / Angaragan [Mars] in the planetary
formation. Lord Angaragan is believed to bestow Valour, Victory and Strength.
The Devotees take dip in Sidhamirtham Tank as the water in tank is said to have
the curative powers for various skin ailments and also believed that a visit
here removes all the obstacles in the delay of marriages for both men and
women.
4. Thiruvenkadu : It is
near Mayiladuthurai. This is one of the Navagraha Temple dedicated to Lord
Budhan[Mercury] in the planetary formation. This temple has reference in
Valmiki Ramayanam too and believed to be over 3000 years old. Lord Budhan is
said to bestow wisdom and intellect.
Suryanar Koil
5. Alangudi: This temple
is 36 Kms from Thanjavur and dedicated to Lord Guru [Jupiter]. He is also
called as Brihaspathi. He is worshiped by students for their excellence in
education, fine arts and wisdom. This temple attracts a large number of
devotees when Jubiter transits one Zodiac sign to another. It is believed that
Goddess Parvati was reborn on the banks of Amrita Pushkarani, a divine tank
within the temple precincts before being reunited with Shiva.
6. Thirunallar : It is 90
Kms from Thanjavur and 35 Kms from Mayiladuthurai and nearer to Karaikal.. This
temple is dedicated to Lord Saneeswaran [Saturn]. He occupies the most
important position in the planetary position. Anybody who worships him is
believed to be relieved from curses, spells of ill luck and diseases. Legendry
King Nala is said to have been relieved of all obstacles due to malefic
influence of Saturn. Of the holy tanks around the temple , Nala Theertham is
one of the important tanks where all the devotees take a holy dip to get
relieved of all misfortunes and afflictions.
7. Kanchanur : It is
located 57 Kms from Thanjavur on the way to Mayiladuthurai . This temple is
dedicated to Lord Sukran [Venus] whose duty in the planetary position is to
solve problems related to love, marriage, beauty and comforts. This temple is
maintained by Madurai Adhinam located at Thiruvavaduthurai. It is also called
Palaasavanam, Brahmapuri and Agnisthalam. Sukran is believed to be prayed by
men folk for the well being of their wives.
8. Thirunageswaram : It is
6 kms from Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District. This temple is dedicated to Lord
Raghu. The legend says the Serpant Adi Sesha , Dakshan and Kaarkotakan
worshipped Lord Siva here. This locality is identified with champakaranya.
Devotes throng this temple to get relieved of Naga Dosham.
9. Keezhperumpalam : This
is a Siva temple located close to Poompuhar and Lord Kethu is enshrined within
this temple. The legend records that Kethu worshiped Lord Siva here. Rahu and
kethu are believed to have associated with the legend of the serpent that
helped Lord Shiva Churn the Milk Ocean(Paar Kadai).
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